Degrader

Name: Degrader
Price: 19.99 USD
Author: Klevgrand

by Klevgrand · Distortion · Resampler and bitcrusher

Not rated yet

Degrader is a resampler and bitcrusher from Klevgrand that resamples from 250 Hz to 96 kHz and reduces bit depth from 24 down to 3 bits.

It adds pre and post filters, an extra distortion, parameter linking and vintage-gear presets, for $19.99 (normally $39.99).

Best for: Drums, Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Lo-Fi, Hip-Hop & Trap, Electronic & EDM.

Keywords: lo-fi, bitcrush, vintage, drums, simple, digital classic, glitchy, gritty, keys, single knob, vocals, A/B compare, beginner-friendly, CPU-light, film & game audio, flat UI, heavy, minimal controls, built-in mix knob, mixing, sound design.

What it does

Degrader is Klevgrand's "Resampler & Bitcrusher", sold with the line "Degrade with grace." It is meant for simulating vintage digital gear, as a lo-fi effect or as a distortion unit, and its controls are laid out in four small sections.

Filter bubble: low-pass filters before and after resampling, each switchable between off, low-Q and high-Q characters.
Resampler: sample rate from 250 Hz up to 96 kHz, with a jitter control for less stable, more vintage-style conversion.
Crush them bits: bit depth continuously variable between 3 and 24 bits, with an extra saturation/distortion algorithm.
Master them bits: input and output trim, dry/wet mix, and a power button for quick A/B checks.
Parameter linking: tie several parameters to one knob, so a single automation move can make drops, sweeps and transitions.
Presets: factory presets that simulate the sound of vintage digital equipment.

The current version is 1.0.6 (a preset-saving fix). The free demo is the full version with occasional audio dropouts.

Source: Klevgrand product page

When to use it

Degrader is the pick for quick, cheap lo-fi and old-sampler grit with a little more control than a DAW's stock bitcrusher. Compared with Decimort 2 it does not model specific vintage samplers in as much depth, but it is simpler and adds parameter linking for automated sweeps. It is far narrower than Trash or Saturn 2, which cover many distortion types and, in Saturn 2's case, multiband processing. Unlike those, it focuses entirely on sample-rate and bit-depth damage, with filters before and after to tame or sharpen the aliasing.

Best for: lo-fi drums and keys, old-sampler grit, video game and robot voice effects, and glitchy automated transitions.
Genres: lo-fi, hip-hop, chiptune and electronic.
Look elsewhere if: you want detailed models of specific vintage samplers, Decimort 2 goes deeper; for broad multiband distortion, Saturn 2.
Tip: link sample rate and bit depth to one knob and automate it for a drop or riser, or drop to around 8 bits and automate the rate for vocal glitches.

What producers say

Reviewers see it as an easy, light and characterful lo-fi tool, with reservations about its narrow scope.

344 Audio rated it 4.7 out of 5, praising the minimal design and vintage sampler sounds, and said not all DAW bitcrushers match its "interface, ease of use and classic sound".
Tapetown Studio called it "a blast to use" and praised the low CPU use, simple layout and value for lo-fi and experimental work.
Criticisms: a limited preset range and no use for clean mixes (Tapetown), and 344 Audio wished for impulse-response colouring like McDSP Futzbox.

Where to buy

Klevgrand: $19.99 (regular $39.99)
Plugin Boutique: $39.99
PluginFox: $39.99
AudioDeluxe: $39.99

Tutorials and reviews

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